Kuala lumpur: The abolition of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) has been described as a significant step towards restoring campus autonomy and fairness for student movements nationwide. Angkatan Muda Harapan (AMH) chief Woo Kah Leong said the announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reflected the MADANI government's commitment to freeing the academic community from restrictions under the act.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Woo Kah Leong emphasized that Anwar, as a former student leader, is the only Prime Minister to announce the abolition of an outdated and oppressive act that restricted student freedom. He expressed that restrictions under AUKU had previously limited freedom of expression and critical thinking among university students. Woo stated, "The abolition of AUKU is an effort to restore justice to students who were affected and treated unfairly under the act." He also announced that AMH would organise a 'Campus Tour' at public and private higher education institutions to gather views and feedback from students nationwide.

Meanwhile, Amanah National Youth deputy chief Ammar Atan commented that the move could help shape the character and independent thinking of young people without political pressure. He noted that AUKU was not abolished merely for political interests but to allow students to develop their thinking and, more importantly, build autonomy among young people.

DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) National deputy chief Raja Ahmad Iskandar Fareez described the abolition as a starting point for a more comprehensive higher education reform. He remarked that the announcement marks the beginning of efforts to provide greater autonomy to students and campuses in Malaysia, whether public or private. Additionally, he mentioned that DAPSY and AMH would consider forming a special committee to monitor the transition of university administration towards the implementation of full campus autonomy.